education

On Monday, two Detroit public schools were closed following a second wave of sick-outs. Teachers are protesting over the condition of the schools. On January 20th, 91 percent of Detroit Public Schools were closed due to sick-outs. Over 800 teachers called in sick and more than 45,000 students were sent home.

The most recent battle in the conservative attack on teachers’ unions erupted in Loveland’s Thompson School District. The fight comes in the wake of similar — and perhaps politically connected — squabbles in Jefferson County and Douglas County where conservative board members have tried to bulldoze the unions — and in JeffCo may get recalled instead.

This post originally ran in May 2012. We are reviving it at this time in conjunction with Bernie Sanders' call for a free public college education for all. We hope it sheds some light on why this not only isn't a radical idea, but is one deeply rooted in our nation's history. Let us know what you think in the comments below.

A handful of Jefferson County’s veteran public school teachers met outside Green Mountain High School today to welcome incoming teachers at the district’s induction day – a new employee training. The long-timers handed out flyers inviting the newbies to an afternoon get-together put on by the Jefferson County Education Association, the teacher’s union.

In The Daytona Daily News, professor Rick Sheridan touts apprenticeship programs arguing that they offer a vital alternative to college for those seeking a middle class lifestyle. Sheridan notes that while the average college student will graduate with $30,000 in debt, the average apprentice will earn solid wages while learning a craft debt-free. Globally, America is lagging in the apprenticeship department with respect to young people

Some of you might remember I made a formal open records request to view internal records of how the Norman School District handled rape and bullying allegations that recently spawned a large demonstration supported by the organization YES ALL Daughters. Case closed, right? Organized protest works! Well, not so fast.

You wouldn't have a mechanic perform your heart surgery, would you? So why is Time Magazine giving a bunch of billionaires – with no experience running schools – who want to "fix" the public education system such extensive coverage?